Trailers, Hitches, & Maintenance

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So another year is rolling by. We serviced and sold a lot of trailers, but that’s been true for 80+ years. What’s new?

In the trailer and hitch business, what’s new is technology. Automotive technology has become so familiar we find that our mechanical skills are even more rare than they were 5 years ago. As of today, trailers don’t come with indicator lights telling you your tire pressure is low or your battery’s about to die – but that may not be too far off in the future.

At this year’s NATDA show, trailer technology was on full display. While we have been in the business for more than 80 years, we don’t “just’ rely on our experience. We are constantly incorporating new techniques in our shop, keeping our technicians on their toes with training and new tools, and always working with our vendors to give our customers the best value for their money.

We know a trailer is an investment in your business – and it’s our business to keep you rolling!

Old Trailer? New Trailer? Ohio, We Can Fix That

Locally, we’re finding more of our customers want to customize their trailers to fit their needs and work even harder for them and their businesses. Whether you need to reinforce your ramp door or customize an enclosed trailer to meet your specifications, give us a call. We’ve #beenthere and #donethat as they say on Twitter.

Cleveland Predictions for 2017?

We’ll go out on a limb and say we might have predicted 2016’s Cavaliers would win the NBA Championship. We could say we knew how excited we’d be, but frankly, it was even better than we’d thought it would be. That Tribe/White Sox series was AMAZING and gave a whole new meaning to “wait til next year!”

What About Snow in Cleveland this Year?

We can absolutely, positively promise you, we’re going to get some snow! How much no one knows but all sources say it’ll be a lot more than last season. What we can promise: we’ll be here, six days a week, working on all makes and models of plows.

What was new in your business in 2016? We’re incorporating more technology to serve our customers better.

Looking for predictions for Cleveland business in 2017? We really can’t claim to be fortune tellers.

Need trailer and hitch experts? That’s us. Give us a call at 440.232.4311 or contact us at JTIinc.com.

If you’re planning to start towing a boat, camper, snowmobile, Jetski, or any kind of cargo, or if you are familiar with towing but new to Ohio’s laws regarding trailers, please know that JTI welcomes your questions.

Our business began in 1935. With several decades of experience with all types of trailers, repairs and maintenance, chances are we can help you with anything you need.

Safety is our primary concern, but we don’t try to scare our customers. If you don’t understand how a certain part of your trailer operates, or are unsure how it should be used and maintained, we haven’t done our job. On the other hand, trailers are our job. So if you have any questions or concerns about trailer operation, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

How Cleveland Rolls: Is Your Trailer for Work or Play?

In Greater Cleveland, we have clients who are landscapers by day and campers by night. Snow plowers and snowmobile enthusiasts when it’s cold, and waterskiers when the lake warms up. In other words, our customers use different types of trailers in different conditions. That’s life on the North Coast.

No matter what you’re towing, you need to make sure that you’ve got the right equipment, and that it’s in good working order (even the parts you can’t see). Schedule a stop into our showroom to meet our team, ask any questions you might have, and check out our many accessories. From safety apparel and eyewear to gloves, straps, tarps, rain gear, and other gear, we have a broad selection of items that can make your job easier and your hobby more enjoyable.

New Trailer in Ohio?

We’re trailer experts, and happy to take your questions. However, some things you probably should get straight from the state. Ohio’s BMV site covers the most frequently asked questions regarding titling vehicles (including trailers) in the Buckeye state.

What do you use your trailer for? Work, play, or both? We love to see our customers in action. Share photos of you and your trailer (at work or play) and we’ll give you a shout out on our Facebook or Twitter page. Stop in or call with questions: 440.232.4311

When you do have small gaps in business during the day? As a manager, those times are excellent opportunities to engage with your employees.

Here are 5 things you can do to motivate your staff:

Genuinely ask how they are: If they feel you care; they will care. By understanding what what is important to your employees, you can learn what motivates their work. There is a fine line between personal and TOO personal, but you as a manager CAN manage that. (Note: Ask to know enough, don’t ask to get involved.)

Buy them lunch: Don’t just give them lunch; sit with them, talk to them, listen to them. Lunch is supposed to be a fun time, though – so, make sure you don’t “cramp” their style in a way that makes anyone uncomfortable because you are there. Be genuine. Even though yours is a manager/employee relationship, you’re co-workers. Remember that.

Give them a break: Make it a productive break from work. Say you’ll step in for 5 minutes. This gives employees on the frontline a break, so they won’t have to produce and/or interact with customers, but they’ll still be present to learn something new. It’s a perfect opportunity to role-model, and to gain insight into how you might improve operations.

Give them another break: A real break! Let an employee take a walk, get outside, breathe some fresh air, sit in the office and stare at the wall… whatever it is, it’s time to re-group, re-charge, and re-energize in a positive way.

Be ready: For those down times, you can be pro-active and have a list of small things that you NEED to review with your employees. You may need to mention something important, train for an upcoming marketing campaign, or plant a seed of advice. Whatever it is, keep it positive.

When it comes down to it, all time should be productive, and down time spent re-charging is productive. It ultimately impacts overall productivity in a positive way. Stay positive, be a good leader of your team, and always strive to be better as a team.

The worst thing you can have in any industry is a lull in business. Or is it? You never want to leave your employees with no work to do (not only is it financially stressful, it’s also hard on employee morale). On the other hand, knowing how to productively fill downtime is great for business and for employee satisfaction.

Here are 5 SIMPLE tips to avoid slow business times.

Don’t forget the fundamentals: Customer Service should ALWAYS be your greatest priority. Think of it this way: For every bad customer experience, you will lose 7-21 customers. People rarely discuss good experiences (see below), but ALWAYS discuss bad experiences.

Give more than what is expected: With every customer, give them more than they expect: use eye contact, try to learn and remember their name, shake their hand when appropriate, and listen for those little things that will mean a lot to them… and give it to them. Customer Service studies show that it is small things that make a difference: gift wrapping, a consistent smile; a personal phone call reminder, etc. Be creative, it will set you apart from others. Got a lull in business? Call a client you haven’t seen in awhile. “I was wondering how things are going, and wonder if there’s anything we can help you with,” are truly magic words.

Think ahead: if there is a sale and/or service that you provide for your customers; schedule them at the original point of sale. Hair salons are best at this, when the client is paying, they schedule their next appointment. At JTI, we know when your trailer will need to be serviced based on your business, so we will pre-schedule your service appointment so you do not have to remember. We’ll give you a personal call to remind you, as well, the day before.

Keep your customers interested: Social media engagement, blogging, and/or a newsletter; catered specifically to your brand, posted and sent on a consistent and regular basis will nurture your customer relationships. If anything it is a friendly reminder that says, “Yes, we are still here, and ready for your business whenever you may need us.”

Give Back: Schedule events and personally invite your customers. They can be fun, educational, and possibly an exhibition of new products and/or services. Plan to have seasonal events that are all unique. The more you have events, the greater your loyal customer base will be.

BONUS TIP >>> Always say Thank You! if your customers did not exist, your business would not exist.

At JTI, we value our customers and employees, and try to follow this advice every day. Would you like to work here? Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to find out when we’re hiring. (Hint: we’re hiring now!)

let’s get Social

About JTI

People who depend on their trailers depend on JTI.
While much has changed since Johns Trailers Inc. (JTI) was established on Buckeye Road in Cleveland in 1935, the business is still family-owned and operated.
Now located just off I-271 in Oakwood Village, JTI sells and services trailers, installs hitches, makes custom axles, and in general, does what our customers need us to do to keep rolling.
Visit our website www.JTIinc.com or call us at 440.232.4311